Irish actor Michael Fassbender had not played Assassin's Creed before joining production on the movie adaptation of the Ubisoft franchise.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Fassbender said he was not a gamer and wasn't entirely sure about what he was getting into. “I hadn’t played it before these guys approached me,” Fassbender said.
Appearing as new character Callum Lynch, Fassbender says he has played the games since signing up for the movie.
“I’ve played it since [being offered the job] mainly to get an idea of the physicality of the character,” Fassbender explained from the film shoot in Spain. “We’re striving to find something special. We believe the whole concept around it is special and want to service that the best we can. The fans are really passionate: very specific and they expect accuracy and historical detail. We’re really trying to capitalize and feed on and enjoy the fun element. We’re working hard to make this something special.”
Like the games, you shouldn't expect to see Lynch running around with magic or super powers. “A lot of the stuff in the game is Parkour,” Fassbender added. “Blades attached to his wrists. It’s about getting in close to the target, close quarters fighting.”
The actor has performed many of his own stunts in the film, which is being directed by Justin Kurzel, who previously helmed the Fassbender-starring Macbeth.
Jeremy Irons, Brendan Gleeson, and Marion Cotillard have all been cast in the Assassin's Creed movie as well.